African Mission Trips

Bless the Children African Mission

Bless the Children African Mission (BTCAM) exists to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing basic health services, education and spiritual formation to the people of Eastern Africa.

Dental and health education, basic medical and dental services, and Bible classes are offered in a variety of contexts. Our hope is that by sharing the love of God in tangible ways with the whole person – body, mind and spirit – deeper relationships with God and between various cultures will be formed.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in. I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me… Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”

– Matthew 25:35-40, paraphrased

Information on Tanzania

Misi Village in Bariadi District is a community of rural farmers located in northeastern Tanzania.

Water/Electricity Sources:
Water Sources: Hand-dug wells or water holes in riverbeds during the dry season.
Unlined shallow wells for humans and livestock.
48% of urban residents have safe water.
There is no electricity and no running water in the villages.

Transportation to Misi Village:
All roads are gravel/earth and are passable 50% of the year.
The nearest hospital is 2 hours by car, 5 hours by bicycle if one is owned, 8 hours by ox-drawn carts or 1.5 days by foot. The hospital does not perform large surgeries – only minor care.

Healthcare:
Bariadi District: 1 public hospital, 5 public health centers and 42 public dispensaries private for district.
One rural health center caters to at least 50,000 patients.
There were 19 physicians in the Shinyanga Region in 2005.

– Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Office Report, July 2007

Current BTCAM Projects

Construction is underway on the Grace Humana Maternity Hospital and St. Monica’s Elementary School. Building liaison with Kolondoto School of Nursing.

How You Can Help:

Donate “reader” glasses (200 pair were given out in 2011.)

Provide a child with food and other essentials by donating $20/month, which is less than you pay for one sack of groceries in the United States.

One-time donation for medications and/or dental supplies.

Volunteer to help with a fund-raiser or join us for a mission to Tanzania.